Trump’s Border Patrol Chief Returns to Helm of CBP

Rodney Scott, former U.S. Border Patrol chief under the Trump administration, has been appointed to lead U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), according to the Trump transition team. Announced Thursday evening, Scott was one of three nominees for key border agency positions.

Caleb Vitello, currently the assistant director at U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), will serve as acting director of the agency. Vitello brings extensive experience from the agency’s deportation operations. Additionally, Tony Salisbury, who heads Homeland Security Investigations in Miami, has been selected as Deputy Homeland Security Advisor.

The Trump team previously indicated intentions to appoint Tom Homan as “border czar” and South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem as Secretary of Homeland Security. Unlike previous turbulent leadership changes within the Department of Homeland Security, Scott’s tenure saw relative stability; he was one of only two leaders to direct Border Patrol during that time.

Scott took command of the Border Patrol in February 2020, succeeding Carla Provost. He continued in this position until June 2021, following a tenure that saw both challenges and criticisms regarding border policy. Under his watch, border barrier construction along the U.S.-Mexico border became a focal point, with Scott often defending the controversial placement of barriers in ecologically sensitive regions.

A Nogales native, Scott dedicated over 29 years to Border Patrol, advancing through various roles primarily in the San Diego Sector. Upon his promotion to chief, Mark Morgan noted Scott’s “exceptional depth and breadth of experience.” Post-departure from the agency, Scott has frequently voiced criticism of Biden’s immigration policies, appearing on various media platforms.

During his command, Scott’s policies included initiatives like Remain-in-Mexico and Title 42, which aimed to curb illegal immigration. However, his tenure ended amidst rising encounter rates with Border Patrol agents—a 20-year high triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic and rapidly shifting immigration dynamics.

While the Trump administration’s Title 42 allowed for accelerated deportations, the Biden administration has since faced increasing apprehensions, peaking in December 2023 before a significant drop in October 2024. Meanwhile, Vitello’s 23-year career at ICE has included leading fugitive operations and overseeing training and policy, positioning him well for his new role.

Salisbury is set to operate under Stephen Miller, a former Trump policy advisor, as part of the administration’s renewed focus on border security. CBP has been without a Senate-confirmed leader since November 2022, when Chris Magnus resigned after internal disputes. Troy A. Miller has been serving as the acting commissioner since then.

Conversely, since January 2017, ICE has functioned under acting directors following the resignation of Sarah Saldaña. Tae Johnson’s acting directorship lasted until June 2023, amidst controversies regarding his leadership. Currently, Patrick Lechleitner holds the position under the Biden administration.